News

It is with great regret and extreme sadness that I announce to you the passing of our dear sister in Christ Mary Helen Massad. She fell asleep in the Lord tonight at 6:30. Mary had "suffered many things of many physicians" as we hear in Scripture, and is now committed to the mercy of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she loved most of all. Mary was an example of the Christian woman, and her love and faith have brought joy and peace to so many whose lives hers touched. May her memory be eternal, and may the Lord place her soul where the just repose.

The schedule of Services is as follows:

All Services except for the Burial will be held at our church.

Friday, October 22nd, Trisagion Service at 6 PM, followed by viewing until 9 PM.

Saturday, October 23rd, Funeral Service at 1 PM, followed by a procession to the burial site for the Burial Service at Restland in Coppell, 400 S. Freeport Parkway, 75019. Following the Burial, we will return to the church for the Mercy Meal.

The Family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to and/or sent to Saints Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church, 3755 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229, and earmarked "Mary Helen Massad Memorial Fund."

Father Donald David Lloyd, 1912-2010At 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, October 17th, word was received that the eldest brother in the Diocese of Wichita, Father Donald David Wallace Lloyd, D.D., reposed at the age of ninety-seven.

The casket with Father Donald David will arrive at St. Mark Church in Denver, CO on Thursday, October 21st at 5:00 p.m., where he will lie in state until after the Requiem Mass which will be served at 7:00 p.m. He will then be taken to the St. Laurence Center in Tallahassee Creek, CO where, upon arrival, a brief low Mass of Requiem will be served followed by interment in the specially-prepared sepulchre just west of the Basilica of St Laurence. Then, this Saturday, October 23rd, the final Requiem Mass will be served at the Center at 11:00 a.m.. Condolences may be sent c/o Father John Connely (john.connely@gmail.com) of St. Mark Church in Denver.

Fr. John Connelly writes:

Following his Chrismation and Ordination, Father Donald David Wallace Lloyd, D.D. told me very sincerely that never in his life had he felt so uplifted, blessed, (he used a vocabulary to explain this that I cannot entirely remember), and that his joy was beyond anything of merely earthly happiness. He was delivered from all the sorrow of 93 years (the age at which he received into Holy Orthodoxy) and then continued his earthly life as the most powerful intercessor that I have ever known. If your retired Priests want to see Paradise, let them follow this example. Father Donald was given names for prayer in restaurants and everywhere we traveled. He normally rose at 5.00 o'clock so to complete his Morning Prayers by 8:00 o'clock given his lists of living and departed souls.

On October 19, 2010, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip hosted the Annual Seminarian Dinner at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. In attendance were all of the Antiochian seminarians and their spouses from St. Tikhon, St. Vladimir, and Holy Cross seminaries. The evening began with the Vesper service for St. Artemios in the Chapel of St. John Chrysostom at the Archdiocese Headquarters. Following the Vesper service, everyone gathered in the large dining room for the group photo, which was then followed by dinner. After dinner, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip addressed the gathered seminarians and their spouses, discussing matters which are important to their future priesthood. He spoke about the importance of liturgical uniformity, of correctness and beauty of the liturgical music, and of the approach which a pastor must have toward his flock. After his remarks, His Eminence met privately with any third-year seminarian who desired to discuss important matters regarding his future.

In a special, limited first print run, St. Nicholas church is offering a set of five (5) copies of A Modern, American Orthodox Pastor for just $14 per copy —for a total of five (5) for $70. Single copy retail price is $20. With the purchase of set of five (5) copies, shipping is FREE!

Photo courtesy of IOCCBaltimore, MD (IOCC) — IOCC's efforts to partner with the Romanian Orthodox Church and local community-based organizations to provide vital social services received a boost recently when it was awarded a grant of more than $1.8 million to help strengthen the work of community-based organizations in Romania.

"Ten years ago, IOCC opened an office in Bucharest with the vision of working side-by-side with the Romanian Orthodox Church to serve people in need," reflected Constantine M. Triantafilou, IOCC Executive Director. "We are gratified to have this opportunity to take one more step toward that goal of a vibrant network for diakonia in partnership with Filantropia."

The project will assist Filantropia, a national network of community-based organizations under the auspices of the Romanian Orthodox Church, to improve the social services it provides to orphans, the elderly, families living in poverty, prisoners, the terminally ill and others in need in Romania. The training and organizational development that will be provided through the project will enable Filantropia to become a strategic partner in improving social services at the local, regional and national levels.

The new program has been made possible through the Romanian Ministry of Labor, Family and Equal Opportunity and co-financed by the European Social Fund through the Sectorial Operational Program for Human Resources Development 2007-2013.

Antiochian Village 5K Trail RunnerOn October 2, the weather was perfect at Antiochian Village, where a 5K Trail Run through the trails at the Village raised funds for the Special Oympics of Pennsylvania. Barli Ross, the Program Coordinator and Paul Finley, the Director of the Antiochian Village Conference Center, welcomed the runners, who registered and warmed up before the start of the race. One lucky young "runner" was pushed along by his mom in a stroller, but the others kept up their own brisk pace through the Village paths just beginning to display fall colors. All of those who ran as a part of the Special Olympics team, have raced in other venues, and some on the team were even former gold medalists.

At the race's conclusion, door prizes were awarded, as well as medals, and refreshments were enjoyed by the participants. Watch the start of the race on YouTube, and view photos of the race on Antiochian Village's News page.

On the weekend of September 17-19th, 2010, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip consecrated St. John Chrysostom Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. St. John Chrysostom was founded by His Eminence in 1978 as a Pan-Orthodox Mission in northeast Indiana. After over 30 years of growth in the Fort Wayne community, the parish erected a new church complex with a grand worship space, classroom education facilities and a large family room area for fellowship of the Orthodox Community. The new church's altar was consecrated on September 19th by Metropolitan Philip, with Archdeacon Hans Elhayek; parish priest Fr. Anthony Michaels; Fr. Nabil Hanna, dean of the Indiana deanery; Fr. George Smith, priest in residence; Fr. Joseph Rahall, founding priest of the mission; and clergy friends from around the Midwest.

Looking for a job opportunity in beautiful Western Pennsylvania? The Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center is seeking a qualified and experienced individual in the lodging and tourism industry to generate new business for our God-protected ministry just six miles north of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. This position is full time and compensation includes a base salary, commission, health and dental benefits. If you already know what “SMERF” means and have had success in this market - this may be the job for you.

WASHINGTON—Representatives of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches have issued two new documents outlining immediate steps they can take to overcome their thousand-year separation. The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation finalized these agreed statements when it met at Georgetown University in Washington, September 30 to October 2. The Consultation is co-chaired by Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans and Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh.

The first statement, “Steps Towards a Reunited Church: A Sketch of an Orthodox-Catholic Vision for the Future,” is an unprecedented effort to begin to visualize the shape of a reunited Catholic and Orthodox Church that would result from the reestablishment of full communion. The text acknowledges that the role of the Bishop of Rome in the Church is a central point of disagreement and outlines the history of this divergence between East and West. It goes on to summarize the many elements of the Christian faith and ecclesial life that the two churches share, and emphasizes the urgency of overcoming our divisions.

Julia Ritter, Curator and Librarian for the Antiochian Heritage Museum and Library, reports that the Museum’s traveling exhibit was viewed by many at St. Vladimir Seminary's Education Day on Saturday, October 2, in Crestwood N.Y. As the headline exhibitor, the Village's display of icons and rare books fit in well with this year’s theme of “Many Cultures, One Faith.” Enthusiastic viewers enjoyed browsing the attractive exhibit which was set up in the seminary's beautiful library space. St. Vladimir's website reported on the event here.

Deborah Finley accompanied Curator Ritter; both were able to talk with many visitors and families who appreciated the exhibit, and who were eager to learn more about both Antiochian Village and the unique resources of the Village Museum.

OCCHY Members, ClevelandThe Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth (OCCHY) has launched a website to make their resources more available to parents, youth workers and teens. As the website explains, "OCCHY is a national substance abuse prevention network established under the Department of Youth Ministry in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. We are an independent, non-profit, national organization of coalitions for healthy youth. We are a network of local Orthodox Communities across the United States dedicated to educating young people and their families to create living environments that are fun, safe and healthy for parents to raise their children.

OCCHY introduces strategies to reduce the devastating effects of drugs on our youth. The national OCCHY leaders developed a platform which offers the Orthodox Church communities an opportunity to heighten awareness of substance abuse issues, bullying, and premarital sex. OCCHY seeks to unite Orthodox Christian Church communities with public and private sector professionals and community advocates with the prospect of creating a healthier environment for our youth. Each coalition offers and promotes some aspect of substance abuse solutions, healthy sexuality and righteous living through awareness, education, and mentoring and prevention tactics."

St. Vladimir of Kiev[YONKERS, NY/SVOTS COMMUNICATIONS] The relics of St. Vladimir of Kiev, the pagan grand prince who converted to Christianity in AD 988 and then proceeded to baptize all of Kievan Rus', will be in the Three Hierarchs Chapel of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY, for public veneration from Saturday, November 13 through Sunday, November 14. A separate day for veneration by alumni/ae of the school and special guests will be set aside Friday, November 12.

“We are deeply honored to receive these relics of the patron saint of our school,” said Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Chancellor and CEO of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. “During this extraordinary occasion, we anticipate welcoming thousands of pilgrims to our campus.”

This will be the only opportunity in the United States for the Orthodox Christian faithful to venerate the relics, since St. Vladimir's Seminary is the only location in the country that will be privileged to receive them. Throughout the fall, the relics have been venerated by thousands of Orthodox Christian believers in Canada.

Please check the seminary’s Website, under “Upcoming Events” regarding the details and schedule of services as this special weekend in November draws near.

May it be blessed! This past Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, the holy table at the new church temple of St. Basil the Great Church in Kansas City, Kansas was consecrated during divine services celebrated by myself, and assisted by the proistamenos Fr. Elias Issa and sixteen other priests and deacons. The relics of the Holy Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste were sealed in the cavity in the holy table.

The Preachers Institute, the world’s premier Orthodox Christian homiletics resource, has become a national partner with the Academy of Preachers.

The Academy of Preachers is an ecumenical initiative launched through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment and energized by the conviction that Gospel preaching is a vocation of public and social significance, a calling worthy of the very best and brightest young people.

"In our mission to promote and advance superior preaching in the Orthodox Church, we are very happy to make this partnership with the Academy. We are very hopeful that this will provide an opportunity for more Orthodox youth and young adults to hone their preaching skills with confidence, and ignite their desire to spread the Gospel," said Fr. John A. Peck, director of the Preachers Institute.

Both groups are driven by a strong conviction that Gospel preaching is a vocation of enormous social significance.

“Our mission is to identify, network, support and inspire young people in their call to gospel preaching. You are the first Orthodox entity to become a partner; I hope not the last. I am eager for you to come to Louisville with your Orthodox preachers,” said Dwight A. Moody, founder and president of the Academy of Preachers.

Last year, the Academy of Preachers hosted the first ever festival of young preachers. 92 young preachers from 41 institutions in 21 states came to Louisville, KY and preached about Jesus. Included in the gathering were Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Protestant preachers. It may be the most ecumenical initiative in American Christianity today. There was one Orthodox participant.

Alexei D. Krindatch, Research Consultant for both SCOBA and the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, has announced that the results of a 2010 Census of American Orthodox Christian Churches are available. The report is based on data obtained from parishes, monastic communities and from many self-described lay members of any Orthodox jurisdiction; research was conducted under the auspices of SCOBA.

Krindatch also authored the well known groundbreaking study and report about American Orthodoxy released in 2008, titled, The Orthodox Church Today.

The Orthodox Institute welcomes all Christians who love icons to join us the first weekend in November. The event offers 15 courses for teachers, directors and those interested in the faith in an enjoyable atmosphere of fellowship and learning. The Institute is held at the Antiochian Village Conference Center which sits nestled in the beautiful Laurel Mountain region, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, an hour from Pittsburgh. Plan to arrive before 5:00 for dinner on Thursday evening. The first program will be the keynote address at 7:00 that evening. The keynote address is by Frederica Mathewes-Green, based on her book, The Open Door, Entering the Sanctuary of Icons and Prayer. The event ends Sunday afternoon, around 1:00, after the brunch that follows Divine Liturgy.

We are pleased to offer a spectacular event for our 10th Anniversary Institute: “Icons: Windows to Heaven,” with iconographers Niko Chocheli and Cheryl Ann Pituch. Read interviews with both iconographers here. We are also pleased that Dr. Anton Vrame, Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, will be with us to present a course on his work, The Educating Icon. The books noted above will be available at the Conference Center bookstore. Book-signings will be scheduled during the weekend. The schedule allows you to take three classes on Friday, and three on Saturday. The courses marked with an asterisk will be offered both days. The course listing is as follows:

Ten years ago we surveyed our Church Schools to learn their needs, and the numbers of students and teachers we serve. Once again we are asking for a few minutes of your time so that we may determine the usefulness of the programs we offer, your needs, and the numbers we serve. We need only one survey per parish, preferably completed by the Church School Director, but in his or her absence, by the parish priest.

The survey results will be made known through our website, and also in our newsletters in The Word. I would like to call your attention to our newest endeavor, namely, a listserv, so that we can offer news updates via email. Thank you, as always, for your efforts in the Orthodox Christian Education of our children.

Dear to God, Christ is in our midst! As our faithful continue to raise money to support the Missions of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, I want to forward you these notes of thanks and gratitude for the strong support our diocesan faithful have shown for missions. Our giving to missions has increased from a few thousand in 2004 to $40,000 for this year alone. Well done good and faithful servants. Well done!

-John Michael Boyer, protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, artistic director of the Koukouzelis Institute for Liturgical Arts, and principal singer for Cappella Romana-Alexander Khalil, PhD, psaltis of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego, CA, postdoctoral fellow at University of California at Riverside, author of the dissertation “Echoes of Constantinople: Oral and Written Tradition of the Psaltes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople”, singer for Cappella Romana and the Mt. Lebanon Choir-Kurt Sander, DM, psalomchik and choir director at St. George Orthodox Church in Cincinnati, OH, Professor of Music and Department Chair at Northern Kentucky University, composer of many liturgical works in the Slavic style, author of the dissertation “The Musical Icon”-Richard Toensing, DM, Professor Emeritus of Music at University of Colorado at Boulder, choir director emeritus of St. Luke’s Orthodox Church in Lafayette, CO, composer of Kontakion for the Nativity of Christ and other Orthodox liturgical works in English

Father Alexander is joined at the seminary by his wife, Khouria Olga, and their two children, Katherine and Alexander. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Philadelphia, a Master of Divinity from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

As reported on the OCA web site on March 25, 2010, STS Board of Trustees gave its approval to the recommendation of a search committee to engage Father Alexander on March 12, 2010. The Holy Synod of Bishops gave its blessing at its Spring Session March 16-18, 2010, along with a decision to permit Father Alexander to remain attached to the Antiochian Archdiocese while serving as the Dean of the Seminary, an institution of the Orthodox Church in America.

OCF Honorary Dinner for His Grace, Bishop DimitriosJACKSONVILLE, FL [OCF/OCA] -- Orthodox Christian Fellowship honored its founder, His Grace, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, at a tribute dinner at the San Jose Country Club here on Friday, September 17, 2010.

As a recent seminary graduate in the 1960s, Bishop Dimitrios (James Couchell) was the driving force in establishing what has become the joint campus ministry arm of all canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in North America.

The dinner gathered clergy and laity from throughout North America to honor Bishop Dimitrios’ dedication and devotion to college students and to celebrate the ever-growing network that OCF has been able to build upon the foundation he laid years ago.

At the dinner, the OCF Board of Directors announced the establishment of the Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos Orthodox Christian Fellowship Ministry Endowment, which has been created to sustain and further the ministries of OCF. The fund was initiated with a $100,000.00 anonymous donation.

"Bishop Dimitrios has offered so much to Orthodox Christianity in North America and throughout the world in various capacities," said OCF Board of Directors Chairman and Interim Executive Director, Rev. Mark Leondis. Specifically, his efforts on behalf of college students are significant and this recognition of his work is long overdue."

In conjunction with the dinner, members of the OCF Board of Directors, the Regional Chaplains Network, and the Student Advisory Board met.

Those who are interested in participating in the Bishop Dimitrios Ministry Endowment are encouraged to contact OCF Development Director Presvytera Shyla Hadzellis at 800-919-1623.

On Saturday, October 30, 2010, Very Rev. Alexander Atty will be installed as the Seventh Dean of Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA. The Installation Service will begin at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA, followed by a luncheon at the Church Hall, hosted by the Board of Trustees of Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. An invitation is enclosed. Cost of a ticket will be $20.00 and your reservation can be made by contacting Leda Dzwonczyk, 3210 Rosalie Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21234, not later than October 15, 2010.

All are welcome to attend the installation, but attendees are asked to return the attached form to make reservations.

"In Communion," the journal of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, announces that the Annual OPF North American Conference will take place soon in Irvine, CA, October 1 through 3, 2010. This year's theme, “Interfaith Dialogue,” will feature speakers from within the Orthodox Church, as well as Jewish, Muslim, and other lecturers. The program will be a mix of talks and discussions, music, comedy, award-winning films and one-on-one conversation.

Notes OPF, "Though differences exist and need to be acknowledged, we can learn from one another and create a more peaceful world in the process. Non-members are welcome — this conference is not to be missed!" Those interested in registering may go here for more information and downloadable forms.

Conciliar Press recently released a new title, A Book of Hours: Meditations on the Traditional Christian Hours of Prayer. The website description reads: "Eastern and Western Christians share a rich spiritual heritage in the Hours of Prayer—the brief services of praise and psalmody that mark the progress of each day, sanctifying the hours of our lives. In this gem of a book, Patricia Egan digs deeply into the meaning of each of the Hours, drawing on poetry, nature, experience, and theology to show how the services reflect the different aspects of our salvation and our lives. A Book of Hours is an excellent companion for anyone who wants to experience the blessing of praying through the Hours of each day." To order, go to Conciliar Press' website here. The book's retail price is $21.95.